How to Leave a Dog with Separation Anxiety Alone - Malena DeMartini (2024)

FAQs

How do I help my dog with separation anxiety when I leave? ›

While you're gone, leave your dog with a challenging puzzle toy that dispenses food or treats to stimulate your dog's brain and distract from your absence. Or leave the radio or television on while you're away from home if your pet finds that comforting.

Medications. Two pharmacological interventions clomipramine (Clomicalm^®) and fluoxetine (Prozac^®) are approved in the United States for the treatment of canine separation anxiety. These are antidepressant drugs used for humans to treat the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Give your dog a low dose of valerian root for a natural sedative. This over-the-counter supplement is available in pill or liquid form, but there is not a standardized dose for dogs. Consult your dog's veterinarian for a dosage suggestion and to make sure it's okay to give this medication to your dog before you try it.

Create routines and boundaries so your dog experiences low-intensity separation. Crate training is recommended as a preventative measure. In treating, start small in managing separation, like training your dog to stay in another room while you leave, and then work up to leaving the house.

Leave a 'special' toy

Always make sure that your dog has exciting things to do when you're not with them. You can give your dog a long-lasting chew such as a stuffed 'kong' toy, a meat-flavoured chew or a treat ball when you plan to go out. Make sure that they enjoy using it when you're there.

While Hamrick doesn't recommend ignoring your pet, she says you should “keep your departures and your return home as chill as possible” to avoid reinforcing your pet's anxiety with your own.

Although the unwanted behavior is first triggered by the owner's departure, it arises because of a combination of risk factors that may include elements of the dog's temperament, the type of relationship it has with the owner, and how the two of them interact.

“In my experience, the four most common breeds of dogs that exhibit signs of separation anxiety are typically Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas (both mixed breeds and standards), German Shepherds and co*cker Spaniels”, says Dr.

Over-the-counter medications are a viable option for treating dog anxiety. Some of the best OTC anti-anxiety medications include Benadryl, Dramamine, and Melatonin. Many of the OTC medications for anxious dogs are for humans but most of them are safe for use in dogs.

Is there an over the counter sedative I can give my dog? ›

Benadryl may be a good dog sedative for car travel, as it also helps with mild car sickness.

Injectable – Many vets prefer administering sedatives via injection as the dog's response to the drug tends to be faster and more effective. The most common types of injectable sedatives include: Acepromazine. Acepromazine and butorphanol.

Expect to spend around two months working with your dog to alleviate his separation anxiety. Taking it slowly during the early stages–getting your dog comfortable at the moment of your departure–will allow the later stages of lengthening your time away to much more quickly.

This is different for every dog and entirely dependent on their personality and training. For some dogs, it can take 6-8 months, for others it's 12. When you leave the house for long periods of time, you should make sure your pup has access to their bed, some drinking water, and preferably, some toys.

It is generally accepted that there are three types of separation anxiety. Transitional Anxiety - this usually occurs in adolescent dogs and for a period of 4 to 6 weeks in duration. Permanent Anxiety - this usually occurs during fear impact stage and is most likely permanent.

As a general rule, your dog should never be left alone for more than four hours at a time. However, this will greatly depend on your dog, their age, breed and how they cope with being on their own in the house. Some may struggle being away from their owners for this long and others will be unphased.